Bill Vilona: Bucs give Brooks a fitting, proper honor

The Tampa Bay Bucs botched the way Derrick Brooks ended his playing career.

But they’ve made amends in the way his legacy is being handled.

Their latest tribute to him is the greatest. Brooks, 41, a Washington High and Florida State graduate who will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August, will become the sixth former Bucs player to be placed in the team’s Ring of Honor.

His name will be part of the facade at Raymond James Stadium. The ceremony Sept. 14, prior to the Bucs game against the St. Louis Rams, will include the official retirement of Brooks’ famed No. 55 jersey.

There is so much about Brooks that sets him apart. He is the only native Floridian and Pro Football Hall of Fame member who was born in the state (Pensacola), played his high school and collegiate football in Florida, along with his entire NFL career.

Of course, he’s also one of the game’s greatest outside linebackers. Someone who revolutionized the position in pro football, giving way to more players who didn’t have prototypical linebacker size to become NFL starters.

“It’s extremely special,” Brooks said during a news conference Tuesday in Tampa to announce the honor. “No one has worn (No. 55) since I left, but to know it’s a part of the franchise history is a tremendous honor.

“Every time something goes on in that stadium, they’ll see that number and get a piece of you. That represents something. It’s more about the legacy of 55.”

Brooks retired in 2008. His retirement was not on his own terms, which is not the way future Hall of Famers are supposed to exit. It was another reminder how the business side trumps the common sense side in pro sports.

The Bucs could have afforded a final year and a proper farewell even if it meant he was a step slower. You don’t spend millions on every player in his twilight. But you do it for players like Derrick Brooks.

The Bucs management, rightfully blasted at the time, has reached out and made sure Brooks has kept a favorable association.

All the better right now because Tampa Bay’s new head coach Lovie Smith, another good guy, was Brooks’ position coach with the Bucs. That gives this a proper ending.

Brooks accepted his career end and moved forward in the classy manner that has been his trademark. Since then, as the years have passed, he has been genuinely humbled by every salute. One of those occurred Feb. 27 in Pensacola during the memorable City of Champions — Part II — event.

“I just want to be a servant leader,” Brooks said during the news conference Tuesday in Tampa. “That’s kind of how I live my life.

“For those that actually looked at me as a leader, I hope I didn’t disappoint you. I tried to do it the right way, show up day in and day out, and let my performance send a message.”

This is the message Brooks sends. If all athletes performed like him on the field and in handling life, the sports world would be a far better place.